Wellman library collecting tiny artwork submissions

WELLMAN — Artists around Wellman are asked this month to drop off petite paintings and small sculptures for an upcoming “tiny art display.”

Teen and Adult Librarian Melissa Fleming said the library would supply visitors with 3x3 inch canvases or about a tablespoon worth of clay, challenging them to submit their pieces before the end of the month. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 31, and the collection will go on display in February.

“It’s just a way for people to have fun, be a little creative without being overwhelmed by the process of making a giant piece of art,” she said. “In February, we’ll have a display that has all the little, tiny art pieces that people have made, and we can enjoy each other’s little, tiny creativity.”

Fleming said she got the idea from others at a library conference, where she attended a breakout session on community-building efforts.

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She said it sounded like a lot of fun, and a way to get people involved at the building.

“We want to be known as a place that’s more than just books,” she said. “Obviously that’s a big part of what we do, but I just feel like the more opportunities we offer people to gather and rub shoulders with other people, it just helps people in general. We can kind of shut ourselves off from others, so I’m always looking for ideas to get people out … you can learn a lot from each other.”

There’s no contest, and every submission should end up in the display. Fleming said she was excited to see how creative patrons could get.

“It’s just so fun to see what people come up with,” she said. “I’m always amazed and delighted by all the creative ideas out there, when people take the time to have fun a little, and just enjoy themselves.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com